Technology

When Is the Best Time To Upgrade Your Graphics Card?

The graphics card in your computer supports a lot more of its processes than you might think. Can you remember the last time you swapped it out for something more powerful? If not, many of your computer’s current issues might stem from that outdated graphics card that’s holding you back. Let’s take a look at the best times to upgrade your graphics card so that you don’t struggle with a bad one for longer than is necessary.

When It Can’t Support What You Want to Do

Perhaps the most obvious sign that it’s time for an upgrade is when your computer just can’t perform in the way you want it to. Maybe you’re trying to play the newest video games on the highest graphical settings, but your graphics can’t keep up. Maybe you’re trying to switch from CPU to GPU crypto mining and need the correct tools for the job. An older graphics card will show its age when you’re trying to stay current through lag and subpar performance, meaning it’s time to shell out for something a little beefier.

When It Becomes the Bottleneck

If you recently upgraded other parts of your computer or you plan on doing so soon, an older graphics card might turn into the bottleneck that holds your entire system back. Upgrading your CPU comes with many benefits, but you won’t be able to take advantage of these upgrades if your graphics card is still hampering your computer. Once you can determine that the GPU is your bottleneck, it’s a simple process to make your system better than ever before.

When Your Current Card Is Dying

If you’re doing something graphically intense on your computer, you’re putting your graphics card under a lot of pressure. Most of the time, this won’t be an issue—unless your card is older and outdated. The long-term effects of heavily relying on it will cause noticeable problems for your computer that can be really annoying. These are common signs your current card is on its last legs:

  • Frequent “blue screen” system crashes
  • Applications closing suddenly
  • Graphical glitches
  • Heavy artifacts during games or videos

When You Need More Monitors

If you’re working or gaming and want to use more monitors, use this opportunity to upgrade your graphics card. Having multiple screens going simultaneously and displaying different images requires a more powerful and reliable graphics card. Older cards may not be able to show off high-quality images on multiple screens at the same time.

Your graphics card is usually one of the first places to investigate when you want to improve your computer overall. With the chip shortage of recent years receding, it’s the perfect time to look into your options for graphics cards while they’re available.

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Dianne Pajo

Dianne Pajo is a writer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.

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